LS polls: MDMK names Ganeshamurthi as candidate for Erode

Chennai, Mar 16: DMK's ally MDMK on Saturday announced the candidature of former MP A Ganeshamurthi from the Erode constituency for the April 18 Lok Sabha elections in Tamil Nadu.

Ganeshamurthi is a two-time MP, who had represented Palani in the 12th Lok Sabha (1998) and Erode during the 2009-14 period.

"Ganeshamurthi is contesting from Erode as MDMK candidate, on behalf of the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance," MDMK founder Vaiko said in a statement here.

MDMK has been allotted the Erode constituency, even as DMK President M K Stalin has assured one Rajya Sabha seat to his party's ally at the appropriate time.

Palaniswami calls on DMDK leader Vijayakanth

Meanwhile, an AIADMK delegation led by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami Saturday called on DMDK founder Vijayakanth at his residence here, the party said.

AIADMK has struck a poll pact with the Vijayakanth-led party for the April 18 Lok Sabha polls in Tamil Nadu, and DMDK has been allotted four seats as part of the seat-sharing agreement.

According to a DMDK release, Palaniswami met Vijayakanth on a "courtesy call," and enquired about his well-being. Vijayakanth had recently undergone medical treatment in the US.

The AIADMK delegation comprised Ministers C Sreenivasan, Sellur K Raju, C Vijayabaskar and Kadambur Raju among others. Palaniswami is the AIADMK Joint Coordinator.

The two parties had struck their poll pact on Sunday after days of discussions.

Tamil Nadu has a total of 39 Lok Sabha seats.

PTI